ENOLA, Pa. – The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC), International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN), National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV), and National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) released a policy statement today, recommending that systems be established to ensure that survivors of sexual assault have universal access to medications to prevent HIV following rape. In too many communities, access to these medications is lacking or inconsistent.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 34 million people worldwide are living with HIV.1 Sexual assault survivors are potentially at risk of HIV transmission, due to oral, anal, and genital trauma resulting from sexual assaults.2 WHO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and several states and provinces recommend anti-HIV medications—also known as non-occupational post exposure prophylaxis, or “nPEP” — to prevent HIV following rape (WHO, 2007; CDC, 2010; New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, 2010; Government of Alberta, 2010).3

“We believe that globally, systems should be in place to support universal access to nPEP for all people who have been sexually assaulted. Costs should not stand in the way of survivors accessing this drug, which can cost upwards of $2,000,” said Polly Campbell, President of IAFN. “We recognize the vital role that health providers play in assessing survivors for HIV risk and hope to create consistent practices that support them in these efforts,” said Robert Carroll, President of ANAC. “We know that effective services must be grounded in a collaborative, trauma-informed model that supports survivors in making informed choices about their health and options,” said Karen Baker, Director of NSVRC.

“We recommend that advocates, health care providers, and policy makers work together to ensure that all people—regardless of income, geographical location, cooperation with law enforcement, or other criteria—have access to nPEP when medically indicated,” said Monika Johnson Hostler, President of NAESV.

The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) is the leading nursing organization responding to HIV/AIDS. ANAC nurses work in all aspects of HIV and HIV-related prevention, care, treatment, research, education and policy. ANAC’s mission is to provide educational, professional development and networking opportunities for nurses about HIV. Visit www.nursesinaidscare.orgfor more information.

The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) leads the nursing response to violence with compassion and expertise. We are an international membership organization comprised of forensic nurses working around the world. The mission of IAFN is to provide leadership in forensic nursing practice by developing, promoting, and disseminating information internationally about forensic nursing science. Visit www.iafn.orgfor more information.

The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) is the voice in Washington for state coalitions and local programs working to end sexual violence and support survivors. NAESV educates the policy community about federal laws, legislation and appropriations impacting efforts to end sexual violence. Its team of experts and advocates publish written analyses, track legislation, provide media interviews, and advise members of Congress and the executive branch on a broad range of issues related to sexual violence. Visit http://endsexualviolence.org/for more information.

Founded by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape in 2000, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) identifies, develops and disseminates resources regarding all aspects of sexual violence prevention and intervention. Visit www.nsvrc.org for more information.

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